Councilman enters race for state Senate

Lanza has broad backing among elected officials in bid to replace Marchi

Thursday, May 11, 2006

By ROB HART

ADVANCE ALBANY BUREAU

ALBANY -- City Councilman Andrew Lanza announced yesterday that he's running for state Sen. John Marchi's seat, with backing from a string of elected officials, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

"I have a strong record of achievement in delivering results to my district," Lanza (R-South Shore) told the Advance. "I want to take my passion and my experience and build upon it, and I think I can do that in Albany."

Robert Helbock, an aide to Marchi (R-Staten Island) and chair of the borough's Republican Party, was endorsed by the veteran senator for the seat last week, and GOP attorney and NASCAR lobbyist John D'Amato is still considering a candidacy.

Marchi is stepping down after nearly 50 years.

Lanza recently had a taste of what his opponents might dish out after it was reported he had a 47 percent absence rate from Council committee hearings, compared to a 20 percent average for his colleagues.

"I can see the headline on the campaign literature," said Manhattan political consultant Joseph Mercurio, quoting an imaginary opponent: " 'If he can't make a meeting in Manhattan, why do we think he'd make a meeting in Albany?' "

Lanza countered by vigorously defending his work ethic and record, citing his participation in a nine-month-long ethics investigation, which caused him to miss other Council commitments. He also said he was unaware that scheduling conflicts could be reported and absences due to them could be excused.

But ignorance is not justification, noted Mercurio, who said the lapse could dog Lanza in his effort to capture Marchi's seat.

The Republican executive committee will conduct candidate interviews tonight and make a recommendation to the county committee on whom to support.

Assemblyman John Lavelle (D-North Shore), the Island's Democratic Party chairman, said the "Democratic Party is still in this race" and didn't feel pressure to name a candidate.

He said one would be in place at the county convention next week. Michael Arvanites, an aide to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and attorney Matthew Titone have expressed interest in the seat.

Bloomberg issued a statement calling Lanza a "smart guy, a strong fighter and a hard worker," who helped procure the Island's fourth police precinct, added new parks and pushed efforts to curb overdevelopment and stem traffic.

"I wholeheartedly endorse and support Andrew's candidacy for state Senate," said Bloomberg.

Lanza also was backed by Rep. Vito Fossella (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn), Assemblymen Vincent Ignizio (R-South Shore) and Matthew Mirones (R-East Shore/Brooklyn), as well as City Councilman James Oddo (R-Mid-Island/Brooklyn). Ignizio is Lanza's former chief of staff, and both Oddo and Mirones eyed Marchi's seat before declining.

Lanza, of Great Kills, said a spot in the Republican-ruled Senate would allow him, in a "bigger way," to fight for the interests of Staten Island.

"I thought about it long and hard and came to the conclusion that I think I've got the right record and right experience for this job," said Lanza, adding that he has his family's support.

He said he wouldn't be stymied by accusations that he was partially to blame for the near-riot at a recent hearing over the proposed NASCAR track, and questions of his attendance record in the City Council.

Meanwhile, Helbock, who has spent nearly 18 years as legislative counsel to Marchi, said he's looking forward to making his case in the interview process.

Of the endorsements, he said: "There was one elected official not there today, and that's John Marchi." He added that, while the parties involved have discussed the seat, he wasn't "cajoled or threatened" into leaving to make room for Lanza.

He declined to say whether he would pursue a campaign if the committee chooses Lanza, but said: "A primary is still a possibility."

Said Lanza: "That's part of the process and it's something I appreciate, but you don't worry about things like that."

D'Amato, who formed an exploratory committee to look at the race, said Lanza's move is a consideration but he's still rolling forward.

"My decision whether to run will be a personal decision based on what's good for my family and for myself, and not based on who's in the race and what political endorsements they receive," he said.

 

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